Bahrain: General Assembly chief welcomes report on alleged rights abuses

The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser has received the report of the independent commission that probed alleged human rights violations in Bahrain and voiced hope that implementation of its recommendations will help to fulfil the aspirations of the country’s people.

The report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry was handed to Mr. Al-Nasser by Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain yesterday, Mr. Al-Nasser’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Mr. Al-Nasser welcomed the decision made by King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifah to form a National Commission to implement the recommendations of the report. He also commended the commitment made by the Government of Bahrain to implement reforms and progressive policies that will help to achieve reconciliation for all Bahrainis.

The inquiry, headed by Professor Cherif Bassiouni, found that Government forces had used excessive force during the crackdown in February and March and had tortured some detainees, according to press reports.

Secretary-Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the report after it was released last week and urged the Bahraini Government to implement the recommendations as a way of spurring dialogue and reconciliation and meeting the “legitimate aspirations” of the people.